Cost of Living in Bristol, NH
Population 3,265 · New Hampshire · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing costs in Bristol stay well under national norms: a median home value of $217,000 against median household incomes of $77,781 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in New Hampshire. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.9% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 45 miles northwest of Manchester, Bristol falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 36% lower than Manchester's $336,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Bristol
The median home value in Bristol is $216,900 — 29% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,279/month, 3% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $77,781/year is 4% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.9%, below the national average of 4.8%. New Hampshire charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 57.5°F and lows of 34.6°F. Overall, Bristol has a cost of living index of 82 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 18% less expensive.
Bristol has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 30 | 34 | 43 | 57 | 70 | 78 | 83 | 81 | 73 | 60 | 47 | 36 |
| Low °F | 9 | 11 | 21 | 32 | 44 | 52 | 58 | 56 | 49 | 37 | 28 | 18 |
| Precip" | 2.29 | 2.10 | 2.70 | 2.99 | 3.32 | 3.80 | 3.99 | 3.62 | 3.44 | 4.00 | 2.98 | 2.84 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bristol, NH?
Bristol has a cost index of 82 (100 = national average). It is 18% below the national average.
What is average rent in Bristol, NH?
The median gross rent in Bristol is $1,279 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Bristol?
The median home value in Bristol is $216,900 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Bristol?
The median household income in Bristol is $77,781 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Bristol, NH?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bristol is 0.0%. New Hampshire has no state income tax.
Is Bristol, NH affordable?
Yes, Bristol is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 82 — about 18% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Bristol?
Bristol has average high temperatures of 57.5°F and average lows of 34.6°F. Annual precipitation is 38.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Bristol at a Glance
- Population
- 3,265
- Median Income
- $77,781
- Home Value
- $216,900
- Median Rent
- $1,279/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 0.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
New Hampshire Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs